7 Facts About Guy Fawks and the British Gunpowder Plot

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Guy Fawkes, whose full name was Guido Fawkes, is primarily known for his involvement in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a failed conspiracy to assassinate King James I of England and blow up the Houses of Parliament. Here are some facts about Guy Fawkes.

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Birth and Early Life

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Photo Credit: Sarah Christie Mini Travellers.

Guy Fawkes was born on April 13, 1570, in York, England. He was raised in a Protestant family.

Conversion to Catholicism

7 Facts About Guy Fawks and the British Gunpowder Plot. Photo Credit Sarah Christie, Adobe Firefly-6
Photo Credit: Sarah Christie, Adobe Firefly.

Fawkes converted to Catholicism in his early adulthood, which led to his involvement in various Catholic conspiracies against the Protestant monarchy.

Gunpowder Plot

7 Facts About Guy Fawks and the British Gunpowder Plot. Photo Credit Sarah Christie, Adobe Firefly-3
Photo Credit: Sarah Christie, Adobe Firefly.

Fawkes, along with several other conspirators, attempted to assassinate King James I by blowing up the Houses of Parliament on November 5, 1605. They planned to use barrels of gunpowder placed in a cellar beneath the building.

Discovery and Arrest

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The plot was discovered on the night of November 4, 1605, when Fawkes was found guarding the gunpowder in the cellar. He was arrested, and the other conspirators were subsequently apprehended.

Torture and Confession

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Fawkes was subjected to torture and eventually confessed to his role in the conspiracy. His confession implicated his fellow conspirators.

Execution

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Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators were tried and sentenced to death. Fawkes was executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering neat Westminster on January 31, 1606.

Bonfire Night

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In the United Kingdom, November 5th is celebrated as Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night. People light bonfires and fireworks to commemorate the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot.

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Where to see Santa in London Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

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Sarah Christie is a craft, food, cruise, and family travel blogger Extraordinary Chaos, Cruising For All and Mini Travellers. Known for her unique perspective and ability to find beauty in chaos, Sarah designs and creates craft projects as well as creating recipes for people who want to cook from scratch the easy way. Whilst also exploring family travel and how to navigate it.

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